In eastern Afghanistan, last night on August 31, a strong earthquake occurred, plunging the entire country into grief. According to official data, as a result of the natural disaster, at least 250 people died, and about 500 sustained various bodily injuries and were taken to hospitals. This was reported by international media, including the agency “Reuters.”
It is reported that the 6.0 magnitude earthquake was registered at 23:47 local time. The epicenter was located 27 kilometers northeast of Jalalabad city in Nangarhar province, with a depth of only 8 kilometers. For this reason, the underground tremors were felt very strongly and caused significant destruction. Twenty minutes later, another earthquake of magnitude 4.5 occurred in the same area, and the tremors were also felt in Kunar province.
Since the disaster struck at night, many residents were asleep and did not feel the earthquake. As a result, many people were trapped under the rubble. Particularly badly affected were houses made of clay and stone, which completely collapsed.
According to the Kunar provincial emergency management department, widespread fatalities were recorded in the areas of Nur-Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare. In these areas alone, more than 250 people died, and about 500 were injured.
The Nangarhar provincial health department initially reported only 15 injured, but later the data were updated, showing that in some villages dozens of people had died. Officials emphasize that the number of victims could be significantly higher than current figures.
At present, rescue teams continue to search for survivors under the rubble. After the natural disaster, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains extremely severe, and the risk of an increase in the number of victims persists.
Thus, yesterday’s strong earthquake in Afghanistan claimed the lives of hundreds of people. The public emphasizes the need to further strengthen systemic preparedness for natural disasters in the country.
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